Authorities reported the arrest of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and grandpa of five who died in a pedestrian crash last Christmas.
While strolling in Whitehall Township’s 3200 block of Water Street, 75-year-old Edward Tomcics was hit. On December 25, 2024, at approximately 6:50 p.m., police arrived on the scene and discovered him unconscious on the side of the road.
At a nearby hospital, Tomcics was declared dead despite officers’ best efforts to save his life.
Etienne Theagene, 47, was arrested on Thursday on felony homicide by car and misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter charges, according to Whitehall police Chief Michael Marks and Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan.
Whitehall Township resident Theagene was arraigned on Thursday and freed on unsecured bail of $25,000. To ascertain whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, a preliminary hearing is set for September 29.
According to a news release from the district attorney’s office, investigators charged Theagene following a visibility study, a mechanical examination of his car, and a review of security footage.
According to the study’s findings, Theagene would have had time to spot the victim crossing the street if he had been traveling at the 25 mph posted speed limit, the release adds.
According to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio, Tomcics’ death was declared an accident after he suffered blunt force injuries in the pedestrian-vehicle incident.
Darktown, sometimes spelled Dark Town, is the name of the neighborhood in Whitehall where the crash happened. According to a 2003 report in The Morning Call, it was among the last parts of the township to receive power and electric illumination, hence the moniker.
According to his obituary, Tomcics was a mainstay in Darktown and was born there. Before retirement, he spent 40 years as a forger for Phoenix Forge and was a gunnery sergeant in the Marines in Vietnam.
In addition, Theagene faces charges of exceeding the speed limit of 25 miles per hour in a residential area, reckless driving, careless driving, and a safe-speed violation.
Attorneys Alfred Stirba IV and Kevin Santos Sr. of the Lehigh Valley are representing him jointly.
On Friday, Stirba informed lehighvalleylive.com that he is completely cooperating with law enforcement investigations. We’re eager to find out what led to this terrible mishap.
According to the press announcement from Holihan’s office, Chief Deputy District Attorney V. Paul Bernardino III will prosecute this case, which was investigated by Whitehall Township police officer Ronald Kester.
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You can contact Kurt Bresswein at [email protected].
